The Charlotte Bobcats today strengthened their frontcourt with the signing of free agent forward Othella Harrington. The 6-9, 235-pounder has appeared in 661 career NBA games (263 starts) and has averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds, which has included stints with Houston, Vancouver, New York and Chicago.

“Othella complements our team well and is a veteran player who can serve as a mentor to our younger players in the frontcourt,” Bobcats General Manager & Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff said. “He brings the toughness that we have displayed in our first two seasons and he understands his role in the team concept on both ends of the floor.”

Harrington spent the last two of his 10 NBA seasons with the Bulls and averaged 6.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 142 games. He has also appeared in 28 career playoff games with the Rockets, Knicks and Bulls.

“I am very excited to join the Charlotte Bobcats. I am looking forward to a great season and to jelling with the young guys,” Harrington said. “I always admired how hard they played. Even through adversity this team continued to play hard and I am happy to be a part of this group.”

Initially drafted by Houston with the 30th overall pick in the second round of the 1996 NBA Draft, Harrington’s best year came during the 1999-00 season in Vancouver, where he started all 82 games and posted career-high averages of 13.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 32.6 minutes, while connecting on .506 from the field, 10th best in the league that season. In each of his 10 seasons, Harrington has shot .485 or better from the field.

Harrington was a standout collegian at Georgetown University, completing his career ranked on the school’s all-time top five list with 1,839 points (fifth), 983 rebounds (fourth) and 201 blocks (fourth), taking his place alongside former Hoyas centers, including former NBA all-star Patrick Ewing and current players Alonzo Mourning (Miami), Dikembe Mutombo (Houston) and Michael Sweetney (New York).

InsideHoops.com Editor Says: Othella can come off the bench, bang into a few people, and hit a few shots around the paint. He's a good backup big guy.